Helen Mirren has talked previously about wanting to be part of the “Fast & Furious” franchise and now it is actually happening. Speaking to Elle, the actress confirmed that she has joined the Fast 8 cast! Asked if she is a fan of cars, she said:
“Well, yes. I’ve always rather loved driving. I said, ‘I’ll be in it, but only if I’m allowed to drive if I do drive in it.’ But we’ll see. We’ll see how it transpires. Film is a wonderful thing and it can be so many different things. I don’t want to turn my back on any of the different ways movies can be. I love the movies. I love going to the films. I like very serious films, I love foreign films, and I love big, fun movies–as long as they’re well made and they’ve got good scripts. That’s the most important thing.”
Back in March of 2015, Helen Mirren revealed her wish to Yahoo! Movies: “My great ambition is to be in a Fast and Furious movie. I so want to be a mad driver in a Fast and Furious movie. My claim to fame is I always do my own driving — I was on Top Gear, and I did [my lap] in a very good time. I keep putting it out there, and they never ask me. I’ll be in Fast and Furious 8. I have to say Vin Diesel is brilliant. I love Vin Diesel. He’s a great guy, smart — I love him. It’s partly because of him I’d like to be in one, but also the driving. I’d also love to do another Red-type movie, because those are such fun to do.”
Later that year, Vin Diesel also supported Helen Mirren being part of the franchise to MTV: “They’ve gotta get in line behind Helen Mirren. She is on the list. Be careful what you wish for, Helen.”
Directed by Straight Outta Compton helmer F. Gary Gray, Fast 8 is planned to launch a new trilogy of films. Fast 8 will be followed by a ninth film to be released April 19, 2019 and a tenth film planned to hit theaters April 2, 2021. Fast and Furious 8, 9 and 10 aren’t the only films new that Universal has planned for the franchise, either. It was recently revealed that plans are underway for both Fast and Furious spinoffs and prequels.
The Fast 8 cast is confirmed to include franchise regulars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Elsa Pataky, Nathalie Emmanuel and Lucas Black reprising their roles as street racers-turned-international criminals-turned-super-secret agents. Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson and Kurt Russell are confirmed to return as well. Charlize Theron is confirmed to play the villain, with Kristofer Hivju as one of her henchmen. Scott Eastwood will be playing a protégé of Russell’s Mr. Nobody.
